Processing and Characterization of a New Quaternary Alloy Ti10Mo8Nb6Zr for Potential Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The study of new metallic biomaterials for application in bone tissue repair has improved due to the increase in life expectancy and the aging of the world population. Titanium alloys are one of the main groups of biomaterials for these applications, and beta-type titanium alloys are more suitable for long-term bone implants. The objective of this work was to process and characterize a new Ti10Mo8Nb6Zr beta alloy. Alloy processing involves arc melting, heat treatment, and cold forging. The characterization techniques used in this study were X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, microhardness measurements, and pulse excitation technique. In vitro studies using adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) were performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and cell viability after 1, 4, and 7 days. The results showed that the main phase during the processing route was the beta phase. At the end of processing, the alloy showed beta phase, equiaxed grains with an average size of 228.7 µm, and low Young's modulus (83 GPa). In vitro studies revealed non-cytotoxicity and superior cell viability compared to CP Ti. The addition of zirconium led to a decrease in the beta-transus temperature and Young's modulus and improved the biocompatibility of the alloy. Therefore, the Ti10Mo8Nb6Zr alloy is a promising candidate for application in the biomedical field.